Healthy Substitutes for Cooking, Eating, and Cravings!

I’m asked about my diet a lot but what people SHOULD ask me is what I use to substitute so that I not only stay sane while on a calorie deficiency, but also give into my cravings pretty much whenever I want (in a healthy way).

The main thing to remember is moderation first, substitutes second. If you over-eat on anything you’ll gain weight so just remember to keep everything to a minimum. No you don’t have to eat plain chicken and broccoli to lose weight! Here are my favorite healthy substitutes!

Use LEAN beef or ground turkey (93/7, 95/5, 99/1, etc). Whatever you can find that is leanest. It may cost $1-2 more but is a truckload healthier than 75/80/85!

Use FAT FREE/LIGHT/HOMEMADE salad dressings. Not only can you use these on salad…but anything (even as a marinade)

Butter Buds instead of Butter. No fat/cholesterol and as close to butter as you can get

15 Responses to “Healthy Substitutes for Cooking, Eating, and Cravings!”

LOVE THIS! Thank you so much for posting this! I am starting a “life style” change and I was trying to find out what would be better alternatives so that I can keep with my goals and not cheat! Again THANK YOU!!!!

Just found your website from the post on reddit a few days ago and can’t wait to try your recipes! One of your tips is to make your own salad dressing. As someone who eats a lot of salad but uses store bought ranch, do you have any personal favorite recipes for salad dressings? If so, would you mind sharing?
Thanks Derek keep up the good work!!

Hi Brian! I actually have a couple salad dressing recipes up if you go to my “Side Recipes” up top you will see them. Both the Alfredo and ranch are delicious on salads (in my opinion). I’ll be putting more up in the future! Thanks my friend

I’ve found these dressings that are made with yogurt and won’t break the calorie bank, but still taste amazing. The caesar and salsa ranch are my personal favorites – they go great with fresh veggies, salad, or on a sandwich. They’re usually near the fresh veggies/refrigerated dressings in the produce aisle. They’ve got a bit more ingredients than something you’d make at home, but they might make for a good transition into a healthier eating lifestyle, and probably have a longer shelf-life than homemade stuff. Enjoy!

Hey! I’m so happy with all of your recipes! They’re just brilliant. It makes us so easy to eat delicious and healthy at the same time that we’re getting in shape at the gym. Congrats guy! Greetings from Mexico

Hi Derek! Just stumbled over your YouTube-channel the other day. Great recipes for even more gains at the gym! Tried your chicken-taco last Weekend… loved it, although i had to fry the chicken (no fat added ;-)) because I dont have a slow cooker.

Hey David! Just found your website this week, and wanted to give mad props! Your recipes are delicious and I have learned a lot! I seriously missed baking and have found my joy in the kitchen again! My kitchenaid thanks you too!

I use almost all of these substitutes (except coconut because I’m allergic to it). Also, I discovered that silken tofu can make a fool proof mayo/ranch dressing substitute if seasoned correctly! I mix:

Blend it all up and keep stored in the fridge (I haven’t tried this, but maybe adding some egg yolk will make it even more mayo-like). If anyone tries this recipe, I hope you enjoy! (I modified the recipe from some blog but can’t remember which one)